Let’s face it, we all would love to have perfectly smooth skin with no lines or imperfections! However, life comes with many ups and downs leading to smiles, surprises, laughter, frowns and tears… without all of which, life would not be complete. These repetitive daily facial expressions result in muscle contraction leading to facial wrinkles. Fine lines are going to appear on every face at some point, so don’t feel like you are alone. That’s why there is BOTOX! The highly experienced professional Botox injectors at Beyond Aesthetics in Camarillo have answered lots of patient questions about Botox and we want to share some of our knowledge with you. Let’s first talk about “Botox Myths”…
Botox Myth: Botox injections result in a “frozen appearance”
Botox Fact: Botox placed by a skilled injector will allow for natural movement without lines, meaning you are still able to animate, smile, and laugh. You will not lose the ability to make facial expressions.
Botox Myth: Botox is only for when wrinkles and lines are already noticeable
Botox Fact: This statement could not be more FALSE! At all ages we are animating and using our facial muscles. Preventative Botox treatment will cause muscle relaxation and decrease the chances of deeper lines forming at a younger age.
Botox Myth: Wrinkles will worsen if you stop getting Botox
Botox Fact: If you choose to stop using Botox, your muscle movement will return and lines will appear as they were before. They will not worsen!
Botox Myth: Botox treatments are toxic
Botox Fact: Botox has been safely and effectively used for over 20 years. It is the first and only FDA-approved treatment to temporarily smooth frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet lines.
Botox Myth: Botox is only used for superficial, cosmetic purposes
Botox Fact: Botox has several medication indications that are non-cosmetic including strabismus (crossed eyes), migraines, excessive sweating, pain associated with TMJ, and bladder dysfunction.
Botox Myth: Injections from Botox are painful
Botox Fact: Botox injections are completed with the smallest possible needle and syringe. Most patients say it feels like a small pinch or that they hardly feel anything at all. We also provide a small ice pack for local numbing and comfort.
Everything You Need to Know About Botox Dosing
FDA-Approved Recommended BOTOX Dosing:
- Frown lines: 20 units
- Forehead lines: 20 units
- Crow’s feet lines: 24 units (12 units on each side)
- Total= 64 units
Everyone’s big question… “How many units of Botox do I need and why?” The answer is quite simple. However, Botox is NOT a one size fits all type of treatment! A good injector will assess the 2 points below and decide upon your dose.
- Botox dose = dependent upon muscle strength
- Botox placement = dependent upon how the muscle is used
Based upon the results of this assessment, a good provider can create an ideal dosing plan to meet a patient’s needs. Because men tend to have more muscle mass than women, It’s not uncommon for male patients to need a much higher dose to achieve Botox’s smoothing effects. Your provider should also take the time to discuss specific considerations with you prior to treatment including:
- Existing asymmetries
- Brow position and shape
- Excess skin on upper eyelids
- Duration of product with dose (lower dose=more movement but less duration)
What to Expect From Botox Treatment at Beyond Aesthetics
Whether it is your 1st or 15th treatment at Beyond Aesthetics, we want your experience to be comfortable, consistent, professional, and most of all fulfill your desired outcome. Botox is a quick and simple treatment that requires minimal downtime and is easy to fit into a busy schedule. At each visit we will review your medical history, discuss the results of your last botox treatment, and assess muscle strength and movement before treatment.
The injections only take a few minutes and it feels like a small pinch. The most common side effects include minimal bleeding, discomfort at the injection site, bruising, and headache. You will begin to see results within 2 to 10 days after treatment. We always offer our patients at b|A an optional follow up at Day 14. On your way out of the office, we recommend scheduling your next treatment in 3 to 4 months. Moderate to severe lines will show noticeable improvement with every treatment, but consistency is KEY in reducing fine lines. Think about it… if repeated facial movements over several years cause wrinkles, it will take some time to allow your own body to regenerate that tissue again.
